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Blue Damsel
Pomacentrus coelestis Jordan & Starks, 1901
A Blue Damsel at Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales.
The Blue Damsel has a long-based spiny dorsal fin, followed by a high, short-based soft-rayed portion. It has a blue body and a bright yellow tail. The dorsal and anal fins contain variable amounts of yellow. In sunlight the Blue Damsel can appear iridescent.
Juvenile and adult fish are similarly coloured. Both are sometimes called Neon Damsels because of their bright colours.
This species grows to 10cm in length but is commonly seen to 8.5cm.
The Blue Damsel is a widespread tropical species that occurs in marine waters throughout the western and central Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, north throughout tropical waters and south to Sydney.
In the tropics it lives in zones of rubble and open substrate on coral reef margins. In more temperate waters it is found on rocky reefs.
Further reading
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
